Glenmorangie Highland single malt Scotch whisky has reimagined its flagship Glenmorangie Original 10.
The whisky, which is a light, smooth dram ideal for those looking to get into our national drink, has been aged 10 years since it launched more than 175 years ago.
But now, the distillery’s whisky creators, and a panel of whisky experts, have decided that the liquid tastes better at 12 years old, rather than 10.
It is thought that the extra two years in cask give the whisky a silkier, creamier flavour, which complement the notes of orange, honey, vanilla and peach. It might be a revamp, but the new Original 12 has already won a gold medal at the World Whiskies Awards 2024.
For 180 years, Glenmorangie’s whisky makers have been endlessly imaginative on their quest for deliciousness. They craft their more delicate, fruity spirit in stills as tall as a giraffe to allow more space for taste and aroma.
The epitome of Glenmorangie’s house style, The Original has long been the distillery’s flagship expression. But some time ago, the Whisky Creation Team began to wonder whether they could make that award-winning classic even better.
As part of this mission, Glenmorangie’s expert tasting panel began a series of experiments with The Original. They revealed that this smooth single malt gains extra silkiness, sweetness and complexity when aged for 12 years instead of 10.
Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Whisky Creation, said: “In 1984 when I was studying in Edinburgh for my PhD, I tasted single malt scotch whisky for the very first time. That whisky was Glenmorangie.
“I'll never forget my first magical sip and how I became beguiled by its complex range of flavours. During my many years at Glenmorangie, I have always aimed to keep the whisky true to my memory of that first taste.
“However, recently my team and I started to wonder whether we could reimagine our flagship expression, The Original, for even more deliciousness.
"The result is The Original 12 Years Old! Smoother, creamier and even more complex, I like to think it “turns up the volume” on our signature whisky’s classic notes of orange, vanilla, peach and honey.”
The packaging and look of the whisky is exactly the same, but it's the taste that fans will notice most about this whisky.
Glenmorangie Original 12 Years Old is available online now and at the Distillery Visitor Centre in Tain for an RRP of £40, which is £1 more expensive than the 10 year old Original. It will be rolled out in select retailers around the world from July 2024.
